Director of English

Purpose of the post

The Prescot School is seeking a Director of English is a significant senior leadership position within The Prescot School, with strategic responsibility for securing excellence in English, literacy, reading, teaching and pupil outcomes.

The Director will lead the continued development of English across Key Stages 3 and 4, ensuring that every pupil experiences an ambitious curriculum, consistently strong teaching and the support and challenge required to achieve highly. This role extends beyond the traditional responsibilities of a Head of Department.

The Director of English will provide strategic leadership for English while also contributing to the wider improvement of teaching, literacy and academic standards across The Prescot School. They will work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that improvements in culture, attendance and behaviour are translated into increasingly strong academic outcomes. The English department has made rapid improvements in achievement over the past two years. The current director has been promoted within the school. The successful candidate will be an exceptional teacher and highly credible leader who combines high expectations with warmth, support and professional challenge.

About us

The Prescot School is a vibrant, inclusive secondary school at the heart of the Knowsley community. We are proud of our rich history and excited about our future, as we continue to grow into a school where high expectations, strong values, and a culture of kindness, integrity and Tenacity shape every aspect of school life.

Over the past year, The Prescot School has seen significant improvements across key areas:

• Behaviour and Culture – Clear routines and consistent expectations have transformed the atmosphere of the school. Classrooms are calm, purposeful spaces where learning comes first. Our “Legendary Learner” culture celebrates positive behaviour and ensures students understand that every choice matters. Suspensions have reduced significantly, while positive behaviour points have risen by over 70%.
• Attendance – Through relentless focus, parental engagement, and creative interventions, we have seen one of the largest year-on-year improvements in attendance across the local authority. Persistent absence has dropped by over 17%, with more students than ever achieving 95%+ attendance.
• Teaching and Learning – We have invested heavily in staff development, embedding instructional coaching and high-quality CPD. Every Friday morning begins with professional learning, ensuring that our teachers are well supported and continuously improving. Our “LEARN” structure underpins consistent, high-quality classroom practice.
• Curriculum and Outcomes – Ambitious curriculum design and improved teaching standards are driving better academic results. Our predicted Attainment 8 scores are rising year on year, with greater numbers of students set to achieve strong passes in English and Maths.
• Leadership and Support – A restructured leadership team has strengthened capacity, with new roles created to drive. We are committed to supporting staff at every level, with clear career development pathways and opportunities to lead change.
• Community and Ethos – Relationships with families and the wider community are stronger than ever. Parental engagement events are well attended, and local feedback highlights the visible improvements in student behaviour and pride in the school. Our values of kindness, integrity and Tenacity run through everything we do.

How to apply

Applicants must have relevant qualifications and experience related to this role, please ensure that you meet the person specification before applying.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy
and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and references. The Trust is
committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

We ask that you do not send CVs. Please email your completed application to recruitment@theheathfamily.org.uk